The 2025 Women’s Copa América, currently being held in Ecuador, has been marred by criticism from players, coaches, fans, and media outlets due to poor organization, low attendance, and controversial refereeing decisions. A situation that stands in stark contrast to the success of the Women’s Euro, which recorded unprecedented attendance figures and flawless operations.

Concerns are mounting, especially since South America will host its first Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027. The issues seen in this edition of the Copa América highlight how much work remains to be done — although there is still time to fix it.

“Shameful that we don’t have VAR”

One of the main points of contention has been the lack of VAR during the group stage, with the technology only being implemented in the semifinals and the final. “I think VAR can work for or against you, but it brings us closer to fairness. In such an important tournament as the Copa América, it should be used from the very start,” said Chilean defender Fernanda Pinilla after her team’s 2-1 loss to Argentina.

Her teammate Yanara Aedo was even more outspoken: “It’s disrespectful that we don’t have VAR. It’s shameful to compare what we’re experiencing here with what’s happening at the Euros. In our last match, we had a legitimate goal disallowed and were denied two clear penalties. I’m not saying Argentina didn’t deserve to win, but with VAR the game would have been different.”

“Warming up in a room that smells like paint”

Another heavily criticized issue has been the warm-up conditions. Players were not allowed to warm up on the pitch and instead had to prepare in rooms barely 20 square meters in size. “While they’re breaking records in technology at the Euros, we’re warming up in a room that smells like paint,” complained Brazil’s Kerolin, from Manchester City, on X after scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia.

Brazil’s head coach Arthur Elias also voiced his concerns: “One of our players felt discomfort at the end of the warm-up. If we had needed to make a substitution, it would have been for someone who hadn’t even warmed up because there wasn’t enough space for 20 players.”

Conmebol partially backtracks

In response to the criticism, Conmebol explained that its decision was aimed at preventing pitch deterioration, as all matches are being played in just two stadiums. However, after reassessing the situation, it allowed 15 minutes of warm-up on the field. “I appreciate that they took action. It’s not ideal, but it’s a first step,” acknowledged Kerolin.

The lack of tournament promotion has also been a topic of debate, with tickets going on sale only eight days before kickoff, contributing to the low attendance figures. Brazilian legend Marta expressed her disappointment: “We hope Conmebol will make changes and improve the conditions of the tournament.”

The road to 2027

Alongside the Copa América, Conmebol announced the creation of the Women’s Nations League, to be held between 2025 and 2026, which will award two direct World Cup spots and two additional places through playoffs. Unlike the current tournament, VAR will be in use for all matches.

With the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the horizon, players are demanding urgent improvements. “The organizers need to act because we are footballers just like the men,” urged Yanara Aedo. In two years, South American women’s football will have its biggest stage yet — and the region will have to rise to the occasion.